Giving a fresh spin to our legacies

Posted by phyne under Explore Singapore 2006, Explore Singapore!
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There was a time when the words ‘heritage’ and ‘exciting’ only crossed each other’s paths on a Scrabble board, and probably earning low points to boot. Now, this looks likely to change after a sneak preview of Explore Singapore!, a new initiative kick-started by the National Heritage Board, National Library Board, and the Media Development Authority.

Of course, such bold proclamations would require equally bold actions.

About 20 media delegates started their preview tour on 26 Oct 2006, by nodding their heads to the rhythm in ‘Culture Clubbin’. Held at the Malay Heritage Centre, the former king’s palace was transformed into a reveler’s paradise. And for the shrewd connoisseur, a showcase of award-winning photographer Ivanho Harlim’s photo gallery was presented to gratify the senses.

Radical beats were rolled out by renowned DJs Wayne and Adam H.

An unexpectedly stunning partnership between Moses Lim and Elizabeth Naomi Tan, getting along famously in the Explore Singapore! TV series.

Marvel at the graffiti works by talented local street artists, The Killer Gerbil and ZERO.

For those more inclined to a sedentary lifestyle, let it be known that there are more to stamps than licking. The Singapore Philatelic Museum houses a wide range of stamps, which offers 1.5” by 1” windows to milestones of history.

We met Joseph, the passionate former postmaster of SPM and a veritable gem in his own right, who guided us on an informative and humorous tour into the world of stamps.

Participants also went on an interactive stamp trivia hunt called letterboxing.

Last but not least, pre-viewers rounded off the experience at the Sports Museum. We were immersed in the anecdotes of our local sporting legends, Mr. Tan Howe Liang, who once put Singapore on the world map through weightlifting, and Mr. C Kunalan, a former sprinter who represented Singapore in the Asian and Olympic Games.

We also beheld a variety of artefacts, such as Fandi Ahmad’s soccer boots, minus the stench of sweat and spit, and the Hall of Fame which honours Singapore’s finest sports heroes and heroines.

So start exploring the gems of our heritage through its different facets. With so many activities to choose from, prove others wrong that the words ‘culture’ and ‘fascinating’ do mix, and in more ways than one.

Tags: explore singapore, malay heritage centre, singapore philatelic museum, sports museum, museum roundtable, national heritage board, national library board, media development authority, singapore, culture clubbin’